simplicity
sihm-PLIH-sih-tee
Simplicity (noun) means the quality of being simple, uncomplicated, or easy to understand. Example: “The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.”
noun
1
The quality of being simple, uncomplicated, or easy to understand.
"The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity."
"She explained the process with remarkable simplicity."
"I love the simplicity of this recipe, which needs only three ingredients."
2
Plainness, especially in style or appearance, without unnecessary ornamentation.
"The church was built with a stark simplicity that felt calming."
"The simplicity of the white room, with just a bed and a lamp, was restful."
"She dressed with simplicity, avoiding jewellery and bright patterns."
How to use simplicity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing simple, plain, or easy — the noun form of "simple."
Common pairings
the simplicity of
elegant simplicity
for simplicity's sake
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Word forms
- Plural
- simplicities
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The beauty of the design lies in its _____.
Etymology
From Latin simplicitas, built from simplex ("simple"), the same root behind "simple" itself.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for simplicity
See all rhymes for simplicity →Frequently asked questions
What does “simplicity” mean?
The word “simplicity” means the quality of being simple, uncomplicated, or easy to understand. In plain terms, being simple, plain, or easy — the noun form of "simple.".
How do you pronounce “simplicity”?
“Simplicity” is pronounced sihm-PLIH-sih-tee (/sɪmˈplɪsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “simplicity” in a sentence?
Here is “simplicity” used in a sentence: “The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.”
What is another word for “simplicity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “simplicity” include simpleness.
What is the opposite of “simplicity”?
The opposite of “simplicity” — its antonyms — are complexity and complication.
What part of speech is “simplicity”?
“Simplicity” is a noun.
Where does the word “simplicity” come from?
The word “simplicity” comes from Latin. From Latin simplicitas, built from simplex ("simple"), the same root behind "simple" itself.
Is “simplicity” a common word?
“Simplicity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between simplicity and simpleness?
"Simplicity" and "simpleness" both describe the quality of being simple or uncomplicated, and are close synonyms. "Simplicity" is the far more common and natural-sounding term in everyday and formal writing alike.
How is "simplicity" used to describe design or style?
In design or style, "simplicity" refers to plainness and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation, as in "the simplicity of the room's decor." It is often used approvingly to describe elegant, uncluttered aesthetics.
What is the difference between simplicity and minimalism?
"Simplicity" broadly means the quality of being uncomplicated or plain, while "minimalism" is a specific stylistic approach that deliberately strips away all but essential elements, often in art or design. Minimalism is one particular way of achieving simplicity, but simplicity itself is a more general concept.
